Texas Dems launch Latino outreach program

The Texas Democratic Party (TDP) is using the anti-Latino rhetoric of present (and past) Republican politicians across the country in hopes of moving Texas into the blue.

Dubbed “The Promesa Project”, the initiative seeks to utilize social media and young Latinos. According to the Texas Democratic Party, the movement is based on two key factors related to Latino and Hispanic voters in Texas: “young Latinos are increasingly the trusted sources of political information in their families and social circles,” and “the internet has surpassed television as the main sources of political information for young people under 30.”

Essentially, the TDP is depending on young Latino’s use of social media and the internet to spread a Democratic message in the coming election cycle.

“We plan to make it crystal clear to Latinos that Democrats are offering solutions and inclusion while Republicans continue to be blatantly disrespectful and outright hostile to them,” said Anthony Gutierrez, spokesperson for the Texas Democratic Party, in a statement.

The project will include new avenues of advertising, as well as shareable web videos and talking points for the ever-present political discussions at the dinner table.

David Zapata, outreach director for the GOP of Texas, said although he has just begun to reach out to would-be Latino Republicans, organizing at the local level will be key to garnering more Latino support for Republicans.

“We need to have a different approach than the Democrats,” he said.

Zapata said Republican gains within the Latino vote will come from “trying to go beyond the rhetoric and scare tactics.”

Zapata finished by emphasizing where he said the majority of Latinos stand on issues such as family values and fiscal responsibility.

“Republican values and ideals are aligned with Hispanic values and ideals,” he said.